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Chicago teammates Alyssa Mautz and Vanessa DiBenardo will be squaring up with another fellow Red Star in Victory’s Samantha Johnson. With all three players playing crucial roles within their team and being so familiar with each other’s style, it will be an intriguing battle between the trio.

Star: Nikki Stanton

The American midfielder has been impressive throughout the early stages of the season. Stanton was the shining light in a disappointing result against Newcastle, with her dynamism and determination all on display.

One-to-Watch: Natasha Rigby

The defender has been training superbly over the last fortnight, with Bonzas praising her efforts. “Natasha has really stepped up I think, she got a little bit of time at the end of the Newcastle game and looks to be in good form.”

– See more at: http://www.perthglory.com.au/article/w-league-glory-look-to-bounce-back-against-victory/1ow2tk7iwor031gfbq8r19cplf#sthash.GQqosvHb.dpuf
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WATCH| We’ve unveiled a new squad, new sponsors and new goals for the Westfield W-League 2016/17 season!#GloryIsOurs #WAPRIDE

Off-season signing Patricia Charalambous is loving her first season in the Westfield W-League alongside some impressive recruits.

It was a busy off-season for Perth Glory Women, with the high-profile recruitment of Mexico international Arianna Romero, as well as Chicago Red Star midfielder Alyssa Mautz.

One signing that didn’t necessarily make the headlines, but has certainly proved a shrewd piece of business, is the acquisition of full-back Patricia Charalambous.

“I’m new to the club this year and really looking to playing with the girls,” she said.

Charalambous, who spent the recent New South Wales NPL season with Blacktown Spartans, and has previoulsy spend some time in Cyprus, has been one of the first names on the line-up so far this season, with the defender starting each of Glory’s opening three fixtures.The left-back is visibly relishing professional football, with gut-busting runs down the wing and unbridled work ethic proving her hunger to succeed.

“As this is my first season in the W-League, I am honoured to be a part of Perth Glory,” Charalambous stated.

“My goals this season is to work hard and start every game,

“Also to learn as much as I can from those around me,” she added.

Charalambous, who grew up idolising and watching David Beckham with her father at 3AM, is confident the squad has all the makings to be a force this season.“With the internationals coming into Glory this year and the experience they bring, along with the experience of our captain Sam Kerr, and under the guidance of our coach Bobby (Despotovski), I think Glory will build its own unique brand of football,” she said.

Glory will be looking to return to winning ways this Sunday against Melbourne Victory at Lakeside Stadium from 1PM (AWST).

– See more at: http://www.perthglory.com.au/article/new-glory-girl-is-relishing-fresh-opportunity/j5ibtgqme0rf1xpyd4xta9fk7#sthash.vzXOEPdT.dpuf
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Matildas captain Lisa De Vanna insists she’s not ready to walk away from soccer despite taking a break from playing that has extended to this year’s W-League season.

The nominee for Asian Player of the Year has been a noticeable absentee from this year’s domestic women’s football league.Lisa De Vanna is taking time away from playing to become a certified coach. Photo: FFA

After playing in every previous W-League campaign, De Vanna is watching her Matildas teammates from the sidelines as she rests from a taxing 18 months which included a World Cup, Olympics and Olympic qualifying tournament and two club campaigns at home and abroad.

But she revealed her break was about more than just physical and mental recovery.

“You can’t play forever so I’m starting to look at different avenues in my life,” she told AAP.

“I’m doing my coaching stuff and have to really focus. I don’t think I can play football and do this at the same time.”

De Vanna is chasing her coaching badges and is completing a C-Licence, ruling out any W-League action in 2016.

But she is likely to get involved in the new year, with the Matildas next assignment – the Cyprus Cup – looming in early March.

The fleet-footed forward said national team coach Alen Stajcic gave his blessings to her plan.

“Staj is happy that I’m doing this coaching course but he also made it clear that I’ve got to start playing again to go to the Cyprus Cup,” she said.

“He’s been really understanding.

“My life after football is something that I need to think about even though Staj says I could play until I’m 38 which I don’t want to do. I’m 32 on Monday and that’s a bit scary.

“The Olympic Games, emotionally and mentally, was a big drain. It was so intense. I needed a mental break away from football, focus on other things, and then I’ll get back into the swing of things.”

De Vanna turned out for title-winners Melbourne City last season but said she “hadn’t put a thought” to which club she might turn out for when she leaps back into the league.

The Asian player of the year award will be conferred on December 1, with fellow Matilda Caitlin Foord among the three nominees.

Kate Gill (2010) and Katrina Gorry (2014) are the most recent Australian winners of the award, for which Elise Kellond-Knight was also nominated last year.

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